"It's tough for me to say this because we play in the same division as them, but I think Washington is having a good year," Cruz told WFAN-AM on Wednesday, via The Star-Ledger. "They're having a year similar to us last year where they're kicking up at the right time. They're playing some good football. Typically the team that is playing the best toward the end of the year is the team that is going to potentially win it all."

Cruz sees a little bit of last season's Giants in this season's Redskins. Washington has rattled off seven consecutive wins, going from a forgettable 3-6 to the top of the NFC East.

"They've got the upper hand right now," Cruz said. "They're all on the same page, they're all buying in, (Robert Griffin III) is playing great football right now. I think they've got the advantage right now. ... I think they have a tough task in front of them with (the Seattle Seahawks), but I think they're the team to beat for sure."

One year after dazzling fans during the Giants' improbable postseason run, Cruz is sitting at home casting predictions about this season's champion-to-be. Another reminder of how temporary success has become in the NFL.